From the president
Luca Makarushka-Napp ’25, a native of Durham, NC, is a student majoring in Society, Technology, and Policy at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Luca’s served as the neighborhood coordinator for Old North Durham PORCH where he gained hands-on experience volunteering with a nonprofit that alleviates food insecurity. In his first year at WPI, Luca participated in the Great Problems Seminar, where his team examined the impact of fast fashion on the environment and communities. Through this experience, he demonstrated his ability to listen and include the views and experiences of all team members, ensuring that the final product was a collaborative effort by his team. Luca's past volunteer experiences and his STEM and project-based education have given him an understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration when addressing social issues and fighting inequality. Luca is also a member of WPI’s Green Team and participates in the Ultimate Frisbee Club.
Personal Statement
As a lifelong native of Durham, NC, a blue city governed by a red state, I witnessed firsthand the methods and progressing effects of systematic oppression. Over-policing and gentrification have harmed and displaced long-time Durhamites to make way for exorbitant apartments. Policymakers can combat these inequality-promoting practices by adjusting their agendas to create positive change and combat inequality. Offering social programs and support systems for institutionally disadvantaged groups is another critical step in empowering people. As the neighborhood coordinator for Old North Durham PORCH, I gained experience volunteering with a non-profit striving to alleviate food insecurity. Social programs and the efforts of charitable organizations can reduce financial pressure on families and create new possibilities. My volunteer work and studies in Society, Technology, and Policy have given me a clear vision for addressing social issues. My experience with STEM and project-based education imbued an understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthened the skills required for effective teamwork. Through long-term collaborative projects like my GPS fast fashion study, I learned how to lead and listen to ensure the inclusion of everyone’s unique views and experiences in the fight to combat inequality.